Attachment for coin-controlled apparatus



July 13, 1965 A. LONKE ETAL 3,194,249

ATTACHMENT FOR COIN-GONTROLLED APPARATUS Filed Sept. 19, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig 2 INVENTOR. Aharon Lonke BY Henry Zvi Gillon y 13, 1965 A. LONKE ETAL 3,

ATTACHMENT FOR COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS Filed Sept. 19, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. A ha ron Lonke BY Henry ZVIGIUOH July 13, 1965 A. LONKE ETAL ATTACHMENT ,FOR COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 19, 1963 Fig 7 INVENTOR. Aharon Lqn ke BY Henry ZV! GINO United States Patent 3,194,249 ATTACHMENT FOR COIN-CGNTROLLED APPARATUS Aharon Lonke, 8 Bnei Moshe St., and Henry-Zvi Gillan, 114 Allenby St., both of Tel Aviv, Israel Filed Sept. 19, 1963, Ser. No. 309,984 6 Claims. (Cl. 133-4) The present invention relates to an attachment for coin-controlled apparatus, and particularly to such apparatus which periodically requires the insertion of a coin after the elapse of a predetermined time period.

There are many types of coin-operated apparatus in which a coin (this term including a token or the like) must be inserted after the elapse of a pre-determined time in order for the apparatusto continue operating. One of the most common types is the vehicle parking meter, which requires that a coin of a certain denomination (e.g. five cents) be inserted into the meter in order for the meter to continue operating for a specified time (e.g. 30 minutes), after which time the meter will display an expiration signal if a new coin is not inserted. In addition to parking meters, television and radio receiving sets may include coin boxes which require the insertion of a coin after a pre-determined time, such sets being frequently found in motels and the like. Further, in some localities coin boxes are included in heating units which require the periodic insertion of a coin in order to continue receiving the heat.

The present invention is herein described with particular reference to a parking meter, although it will be understood that it may be applied or embodied in other types of coin-controlled apparatus.

Frequently, the coin-controlled apparatus such as a parking meter, will permit the insertion of only one coin for a pre-determined time period, which requires the user to return after the elapse of that time period to insert another coin in order for the meter to continue operating. This is usually a matter of considerable inconvenience to the user. Even in devices which will receive a number of coins at one time, the user may Wish to have the device operate for a longer period of time than covered by the maximum number of coins acceptable by the meter, which again requires the user to return after this period of time and insert new coins. Also,'the user may not know beforehand how long he wishes the device to operate, which means that he may insert too many coins for the actual time period he requires, or he may insert an insufiicient number of coins for that time period. Erring in the former respect involves a loss to him of the excess number of coins inserted, and erring in the latter respect causes the device to expire prematurely, which may result in a traffic violation, in the case of a parking meter, or discontinuance of the service, in the case of other apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for a coin-operated apparatus which will avoid one or more of the drawbacks discussed above.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device which will automatically insert the coins in a coin-operated apparatus as and when needed.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device for coin-controlled apparatus in which the user can be assured that he will need to insert only the number of coins required for the actual time period he uses. 7

A still further object of the present invention is to pro vide a device as described above particularly useful with respect to vehicle parking meters.

According to a broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a device comprising a container adapted to contain a plurality of coins, the container having an opening at one side thereof and the coins being individually dispensable through the opening: means for attaching the container to a coin-controlled apparatus with the opening in registration with the coin-receiving opening of the apparatus; ejecting means which, upon actuation, is adapted to eject a coin out of the container and into the coinreceiving opening of the coin-controlled apparatus; and timing means controlling the ejecting means to actuate same after the elapse of a pre-determined time period.

According to a feature of the invention, the ejecting means is electrically operated and includes, for example, a solenoid winding and an armature, the armature being adapted to eject the coins from the container upon ener gization of the solenoid winding.

The means provided for attaching the device to the coin-controlled apparatus includes a finger adapted to be inserted in the coin-receiving opening. The finger is moveable from a non-locking position to a locking position, and further means preferably key-operated, are provided for latching the finger in the locking position.

Where the device is used as an attachment to a parking meter, the ejecting means and the timing means may be operate from the battery of the automobile, and therefore the device also includes a conductor connectible to the automobile battery through, for example, the cigarette lighter.

There are a number of other features and advantages of the invention which will become apparent from the description below of two preferred embodiments thereof, taken by way of example, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general outside configuration of a device constructed in accordance with the invention particularly for use with parking meters:

FIG. 2 is a front plan view, partly in section and with the coin-container removed, of the device of FIG. 1 showing how it is attachable to the parking meter;

FIG. 3 is a side plan view, partly in section, of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view along the lines a-a of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view, similar to FIG. 3, but of a modification of the device of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical circuit for use with the device of FIGS. 1-4; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a circuit that may be used with the modification of FIG. 5.

With reference particularly to FIGS. 1-4, the device illustrated comprises a substantially rectangular block it having secured thereto, by any suitable means, a rectangular plate 2 on one side of the block and a pair of T-shaped members 3 and 4 on the other side. The latter members include a plate portion, 5 and 6, providing the means for their securement to the block 1. Members 3 and 4 are positioned so as to provide a slight space 7 therebetween. Block 1 and members 3 and 4 are formed with a longitudinally extending cut-out and define therebetween an internal bore.

Fitted within the latter bore is a cylindrical holder 10 adapted to contain a plurality of coins 12. A spring 14 (FIG. 3) is disposed within the container 10 at one side of the stack of coins 12 and is adapted to urge the coins toward the opposite side of the container 10. That side of the container 10 is open, permitting the coins to be individually dispensed therethrough. The open side of the container is in alignment with space 7 between members 3 and 4.

The device is attachable to the parking meter PM (FIG. 2) with its open end and with space 7, in registration with the coin receiving opening 16 of the meter. The outside surface of the container may be formed with a pairof bayonet, pins 17 18 formed in the internal bore, to provide ready attach mentand release of the container from block 1;

(FIGJ) receivable'in grooves g i V 7 Accordingly; tdunlolckf-finger' ii in' ordertto permitlremoval of. the attachments from: the,,park ingjrneterrPM, a

Plate 2 also supports a housing'2tl in which is disposed ejectingfrneans for ejecting a coin fromcontainer -10-intd; the coin-receiving-opening 16 of the parking :meter PMs 7 As shown in the drawings, housing ZQ is fitted in plate.

at right angles to contained-10 for they ZLand extend-s coins. a V

The; ejectingmeans in the illustratedpembodiment is electricallyroperated and includes, a solenoid winding '22 fixed within housing 20, arid an armature 24 concentrically disposed within winding 22 randqmoveable WlthlllhOlJS-.

receivabl in -Kev-opening st) (FIG, 3 bf: in; lde'vic ea key is inserted in openingfiG andlturlned, whichrotates disc 74 and causes itsprojectioliJ76itog ehgage projection 73 0f nuanngguae 643 This}? moves the latching slide v Silt-o rotateab'out -its pin60, ienablin the finger'StitQbe;-' detached from the coin-receiving openingjrdof'the park-f .ingnzetergEM, and thereby permittingfremoval of the. 1

finger-5th}? It is preferred't-ohave it moveablei Accord ing '24); -Winding Z2 is used to actuate the armature 2% t o ejectacoin 1-2 outfofi container lti and into the parking metenPM. Inthe embodiment of FIGS'. 1-4;

- 1a secondnwinding 26? is provided for returningthe jarrna:

tureL Armatureyz t is mad g f two sectionsponejseci tion 3t being of soft iron or other 'magnetizable niw.

terial. and the other section132 being of'aluminum or.

bronze, or other non-magnetizable material; Magnetizable 7 section 3% includesan annular ring 34 approximately mid way between the two windings 22 and 26.. A- spring 36 is disposed between. annular ring34t and one end of; the .25

housing and a second spring :38 is disposed between V annular ring 34 and .the opposite end of the housing."

Section 3 2 of the armature is adaptedto bedisposed f just above the first coin in the tsta ck,.that is the -first to eject same when'the armatureisactuated.

i coin to be dispensed. That end' of, the armature is formed"? with a curvedsurface 40- engageable with the, first [coin pletion of the: ejecth g operation.

to be moved bv spring 14 so thatla new coin is'in :align- 'ment with space 7 between members-3 and Land there-I fore, in position to be dispensed; Solenoid 22 is then energizedto causethe armature 24 to come down rapidly withits: curved surface in engagement withv the coin to be dispensed andrejecting same out, of container. :19 1 j and into the coin-receiving opening '16 tot .thelparking "meterr The deviceis attachable to'the coin-receiving opening of thdparking meter by" a pair of opposed fingers'50 and 52,i one disposedat each end of space 7, the fingersbeing insertable at each end or the parking meter slot 16.

As.shown, the two fingers are formed With'hOOlCCd ends 54 'and 56 adapted toaengagethe sides; of theslot open: 7

' in'g 62.7When attachedto'the parking meter. Both'fingers" V are moveable to permit the insertion and removal of; the

device from. the parking meter.

Finger 501 is moveable from an unlocking pos itionfl to a locking position, and means are provided for latch-V ing finger in the locking position; For this purpose, finger 5i! is ipivotabl'y' mounted on a pin 60 (FIG. 2)

and includes a projection 62 extending at right angleszto i r the finger portion. .A latching slide 64 is disposed under-- 'neath projection 62' of the finger, the latching slide 64,

being formed with a cam surface 66,'(FIG. 4) against,

. t which projection 62ibe'ars. The latter projection is urged i return the armature 24 i against cam surface 66 in its locking position, whichiisithe position shown in'FIG. 4, by a spring 618. Inthi's .position, projection '62 of fingerv 50 engages a high surface.

ofithe 'cam surface. 66 of latching slide. 64, the slide be-.

for actuating armature lz if fiand a spring, 125E for returning 7 the. armature. Thevarmature l24 isiaof the same-const'ruc 7 tion 'asin the FIGS; 1-3 embodiment, e m'eptthatitsflan-v it nular ring is for rn ed. at- Iits' endsg whereinit is ideritified 'ductor62 to a-timingfldev eS4. i- Similarly;one'sideof l windin'gi fi 'is conn'ecte'd.toiground,andjitlie otherlsidej off 'ithe-win din'g is] connected-to" conductorlsfi to timingdevicef 84. The tirning' device is m'mmepnn cted to therbattl 88 of the automobile; .hy;any -suitable f-jmeans suchas ingly, {the foregoing structure 'for latching and ,unlateh King fingerfSG wouldbe duplicated fotjfingenSZ, excepti 7 that only. one disc 74-; need be: provided,;that:,disc: having; 7

projections acting on the; latching-slides lfor :bothifingers; In the embodiment ,:of .FIGS.;51:4; two solenoid; .wi'nd} ln FlG. 5 the 'ele'ctricallyeoperated,fejectingfineansis disposed within housing IZtPJand comprises'asolenoid 122..

by the reference. numeral 134; in :FIG. 5,1;instead of in the;

middle. Return spring. 125 is inserted hetween annular V ring 134 ofthe armature and theopp'ositefe d olf housing 7 The circuit, for' the twoembodiments'lareseheiiiaticallv illustrattadimFIGS. 6 and 73-5111 both cases; the circuits may; be operated fromithe automobilebattery:

, in FIG? 6, illustrating a 'circuitfojr ,usemithnhe jem bodiment of FIGS. [1 3,- the: actuation winding forfthe: armaturej'is shown as 212',jand the eturmwinding'iis shown:

as. 26. 1 One side' ofwinding 221 sconil lctedto grloundfu 1;: 45.

89, and theotherl side of the winding islconnectedby do by connectorSittinsrtable inli the cigarette: lighter ofthe. automobile.

Timing device. fi inay be' anylone-of anur'nber-of iwel f fi known designsadapt'edto provide:an-e1ectrical=p1llseto i l conductor 82' at, a pre-determined tiine,and a second 'elec r tricalpulse to conductor $6 at fa second pro-determined E time.) suitable stirning device for use; in this application'iisra timing; ele'ctrical motor which'closes,one switch,

for line82; at pre-determinedltimetintervalg ahdncloses i ansecond switch; for--lineifi6, Fat 'othertlpre determined T time intervals, n11 thezzarrangementofi FIGS.-l-4, as; r "nding2j6is first energized to Y 7 its; lno rmali raised 7 position; and" then winding 522 isl energiaedftobringdown the t ;armature to eject al'coiht' Accordinglmdn this 'arrang ment, timing' device wouldfirst energiae winding 26 and Vthen a short timedater would.energiZeQWinding-ZZ; 7 How frequently windings; 22Zandfi26 are energized by V timing device i depends uponthetime-settingoftheicoinf briefly mentioned earlier controlled apparatus with; which the deviceisiusedf' F or 5 example, if theldevice is usednvitlraparkingmeterwhich requires the insertion of a coinievery-30-;iminutes;1gthen- I V timinga.dev;ic'e- 34. is fsettqtoe actuaterwindingslfl"and 61 every 30 minutes; V W l The ci'reuitof- EIGLTI'naYLbe usedgwiththetembod-iment1 of FIG. 5, wherein the single winding 122 is periodically its several features, alone or in combination, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

We claim:

1. A device of the character described, comprising: a container adapted to contain a plurality of coins, said container having an opening at one side thereof and said coins being individually dispensible through said opening; means for attaching said container to a coin-controlled apparatus with said opening in registration with the coin-receiving opening of the apparatus; said attaching means including a finger adapted to be inserted in the coin-receiving opening, said finger being movable from an unlocking to a locking position and means for latching said finger in locking position in said opening; ejecting means which, upon actuation, is adapted to eject a coin out of said container and into the coin-receiving opening of the coin-controlled apparatus; and timing means controlling said ejecting means to actuate same after the lapse of a predetermined time period.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said finger is pivotably mounted, and said latching means includes a latching slide movable from a latching position to block the pivotable movement of said finger, to an unlatching position permitting said finger to pivot to unlocking position.

3. A device as defined in claim 2, wherein said latching means further includes key-operated means for moving said latching slide to its unlatching position.

4. A device as defined in claim 3, wherein said keyoperated means comprises a disc rotatable by said key, said disc having a projection engageable with said latching slide to move said slide to its unlatching position upon rotation of said disc.

5. A device of the character described, comprising: a container adapted to contain a plurality of coins, said container having an opening at one side thereof and said coins being individually dispensible through said opening; means for attaching said container to a coin-controlled apparatus with said opening in registration with the coin-receiving opening of the apparatus; said attaching means including a pair of opposed fingers each insertable at one end of the coin-receiving opening, at least one of said fingers being moveable to permit the insertion of said device; and ejecting means for ejecting a coin out of said container and into said coin-controlled apparatus.

6. A device as defined in claim 5, wherein both of said fingers are movable to permit the insertion of said device.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 814,276 3/06 Combs 133-5 860,044 7/07 Maddock 133-5 2,769,517 11/56 Hudson 133-5 3,125,103 3/64 Davidson et a1 1335 EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner. 

5. A DEVICE OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED, COMPRISING: A CONTAINER ADAPTED TO CONTAIN A PLURALITY OF COINS, SAID CONTAINER HAVING AN OPENING AT ONE SIDE THEREOF AND SAID COINS BEING INDIVIDUALLY DISPENSIBLE THROUGH SAID OPENING; MEANS FOR ATTACHING SAID CONTAINER TO A COIN-CONTROLLED APPARATUS WITH SAID OPENING IN REGISTRATION WITH THE COIN-RECEIVING OPENING OF THE APPARATUS; SAID ATTACHING MEANS INCLUDING A PAIR OF OPPOSED FINGERS EACH INSERTABLE AT ONE END OF THE COIN-RECEIVING OPERNING, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID FINGERS BEING MOVEABLE TO PERMIT THE INSERTION OF SAID DEVICE; AND EJECTING MEANS FOR EJECTING A COIN 